Return to Agenda

Division(s): Headington & Marston

ITEM TIC8

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 22 DECEMBER 2005

OXFORD: HEADINGTON QUARRY TRAFFIC CALMING

Report by Head of Transport

Introduction

  1. This report details the results of a formal consultation carried out on proposals to traffic calm Headington Quarry in Oxford and recommends implementation of the scheme.

    2. Background

  2. Traffic calming in Headington Quarry was investigated approximately 7 years ago but not proceeded with as agreement could not be reached with residents as to the best solution to the problems they perceived. The idea of traffic calming Headington Quarry was raised again during the HAMATS (Headington and Marston Area Transport Study) and endorsed as one of the schemes in the subsequent Strategy in a report presented to the former Executive on 12 November 2002. It was originally programmed for investigation and possible implementation in 2006/07. However following approval to proceed with alterations to the Green Road roundabout (Executive, 7 September 2004) that report recommended that work on Headington Quarry be accelerated on the basis that traffic effects of the construction period could exacerbate the problems which already existed in the area. As a result the scheme was included in the 2005/06 Capital Programme approved by the Executive on 15 March 2005.

  3. On 28 April 2005 a stakeholder meeting was held in Headington Quarry to actively involve those in attendance in the process of drawing up a scheme for public consultation.

  4. An initial period of informal consultation was carried out in June. This included two public exhibitions displaying plans of three alternative options for traffic calming. Questionnaires were handed out asking residents for their views on which, if any, of the three Options, or combination of Options they would like pursued. They were also given the Option of doing nothing.

  5. Following analysis of the comments received a new proposal was drawn up for formal consultation.

  6. A locally produced alternative to our proposal was received during the first period of consultation. Whilst officers did not consider this proposal dealt adequately with the concerns of residents it was presented at the formal consultation exhibition as a rejected proposal. However, there was very little support for it.

  7. A copy of the consultation plan is attached at Annex 1 (download as .doc file) (The plan has been reproduced in black & white although colour copies have been placed on public deposit and are available on request). A full-scale colour plan will be on display at the meeting.

  8. Formal consultation took place between 28 September and 26 October 2005. As with the initial consultation two public exhibitions were held (28 September and 12 October). Also letters were sent to all statutory consultees and 2117 residents. Street notices were erected and a notice published in the local media.

  9. A total of 143 responses were received. 88 in favour of the scheme, 46 against and 9 not specifying a view. A summary of the comments received (both at the exhibition and since then) are summarised with officer comment at Annex 2 (download as .doc file). Copies of all questionnaires returned and letters and emails received are available in the Members’ Resource Centre.

    10. Officer Comment

  10. It is clear from the results of the consultation that the residents of Headington Quarry support the need to introduce measures to calm traffic. Whilst there are differing opinions about what should or should not be done it is clear that doing nothing is not considered an option. There are concerns that the current proposal does not go far enough and that traffic will still ‘rat run’ through the area. Whilst officers agree that some traffic may still choose this route they also feel the scheme proposed represents the best compromise for the present situation.

    11. Financial and Staff Implications

  11. The estimated cost of the works is £140,000 which will be funded from the 2005/06 Capital Programme budget. Staffing implications can be met from within existing resources.

    12. RECOMMENDATIONS

  12. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to approve installation of the Headington Quarry traffic calming scheme as detailed on plan TPI/1/140 Rev A.


STEVE HOWELL
Head of Transport

Background papers: Returned questionnaires and letters/emails of comment.

Contact Officer: Richard Ponchaud Tel: Oxford 815837

December 2005

Return to TOP